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http://www.todayonline.com/Singapore/EDC100710-0000111/Where-Spore,-Switzerland-differ
Where S'pore, Switzerland differ
Fricker comes up in talks between two presidents
by Leong Wee Keat
05:55 AM Jul 10, 2010
SINGAPORE - While the two countries share many common views, Singapore and Switzerland differ over the issue of corporal punishment.
This topic and the case of Swiss vandal Oliver Fricker came up during Friday's talks between visiting Swiss President Doris Leuthard and Singapore President S R Nathan.
Fricker, an IT consultant, was sentenced last month to five months jail and three strokes of the cane for breaking into the SMRT depot in Changi and spray painting two train carriages in May this year.
"For us, it was not a big debate because obviously this Swiss citizen did not follow the laws of Singapore. So we agree he is guilty," Mrs Leuthard told a press conference.
However, Mrs Leuthard noted that the practice of corporal punishment has ceased "in Europe and in many other countries". "The perception in our country is not a positive one," she added. "It has been a long time that we have moved from such penalties to others."
When asked if she had interceded on behalf of Fricker with President Nathan, Mrs Leuthard said she had not.
During their meeting, Mrs Leuthard and President Nathan also exchanged views on international issues such as the euro zone debt crisis as well as religious tolerance and harmony.
During her one-day visit, Mrs Leuthard also met with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and other ministers.
Overall, she felt Singapore and Switzerland share similar approaches to policy making.
And one area both countries will now work on together is a review of a bilateral investment protection treaty signed in 1978, as well as the conclusion of a double taxation agreement by the end of this year.
<hr>
The Lee Kuan Yew & PAP LIES BECAME CLEARLY FALSE.
EXPOSED!
Where S'pore, Switzerland differ
Fricker comes up in talks between two presidents
by Leong Wee Keat
05:55 AM Jul 10, 2010
SINGAPORE - While the two countries share many common views, Singapore and Switzerland differ over the issue of corporal punishment.
This topic and the case of Swiss vandal Oliver Fricker came up during Friday's talks between visiting Swiss President Doris Leuthard and Singapore President S R Nathan.
Fricker, an IT consultant, was sentenced last month to five months jail and three strokes of the cane for breaking into the SMRT depot in Changi and spray painting two train carriages in May this year.
"For us, it was not a big debate because obviously this Swiss citizen did not follow the laws of Singapore. So we agree he is guilty," Mrs Leuthard told a press conference.
However, Mrs Leuthard noted that the practice of corporal punishment has ceased "in Europe and in many other countries". "The perception in our country is not a positive one," she added. "It has been a long time that we have moved from such penalties to others."
When asked if she had interceded on behalf of Fricker with President Nathan, Mrs Leuthard said she had not.
During their meeting, Mrs Leuthard and President Nathan also exchanged views on international issues such as the euro zone debt crisis as well as religious tolerance and harmony.
During her one-day visit, Mrs Leuthard also met with Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and other ministers.
Overall, she felt Singapore and Switzerland share similar approaches to policy making.
And one area both countries will now work on together is a review of a bilateral investment protection treaty signed in 1978, as well as the conclusion of a double taxation agreement by the end of this year.
<hr>
The Lee Kuan Yew & PAP LIES BECAME CLEARLY FALSE.
EXPOSED!
